Shannon O’Connor, MD, PhD

Why Yale? People: Yale pediatricians are a group of excellent doctors, eager to treat their patients with the best possible care, and just as eager to teach each other. Research: Yale is a cutting-edge research university, where scientists and physicians work together to learn the best ways to treat sick patients. The kids: Our patient population balances the bread-and-butter pediatric illnesses with the rare and challenging diagnoses—a testament to our amazing primary care, specialty care, and critical care attendings and services. Plus, the patients are adorable! Diversity: New Haven mirrors the diversity in the US at large; we get to help and learn from patients who represent a great diversity in race, country of origin, language, socioeconomic status, religion, and gender identity. Schedule: With the long-call/short-call system, our total hours are the same as any residency program, but every other day there is a window to get errands run during business hours. Plus, when you work nights you start later in the evening than at other programs, allowing for dinner with family or friends before your shift, and allowing time in the morning to present your patients and learn from your night’s work. It’s a very family-friendly and learning-friendly schedule. New Haven: This town is rich in culture, from incredible music, art, museums, and theater, to world-class food. There are great hiking trails and parks, and lots of recreational sports to join. I wake up every day excited to be training here!